Blausiegel redefines strategy and studies negotiating partnerships
Valor Econômico
The national pharmaceutical Blausiegel is restructuring itself to expand its business. This growth would occur originally with the company entrance in the exchange market. But plans changed halfway, said Marcelo Hahn, president of the company, to Valor Econômico. "Our initial plan was to go public, but in recent months we began to be much besieged by themarket." This besiege has changed the company's plans. Since March, Blausiegel is no longer Blausiegel. Now it is just Blau. "This is how we are known in the market," said Hahn. The company's name means blue seal in German.
But this change is not limited to the shorter name. The company is restructuring, distributing the operations by areas, which include condoms, pharmaceutical, hospital and biotechnology. This way it is easier to make an association or the possible sale of assets, said Hahn. The consolidation movement has gained weight in recent months in Brazil, with significant transactions closed, especially last year. Purchases made by French Sanofi-Aventis, which acquired Medley, and Hypermarcas, with the incorporation of Neo Química, helped inflate the national assets in 2009.
With an eye in this new design of the market, the officer, also founder of the pharmaceutical, started moving. According to Hahn, there are conversations in progress that may become or not in future association with other pharmaceutical or investment funds. The negotiations could occur with only one of the business divisions of the company. Hahn does not give details, but he does not rule out the sale of his area of condoms (Preserv brand). Hahn also ensures that conversations are being made for the purchase of a small-sized pharmaceutical, "with revenues around R$ 20 million (US$ 11 million) to R$ 25 million (US$ 14 million)", to increase the portfolio in OTC area, which includes over the counter drugs. In the market, there is news that Blau should be under negotiation with the American Pfizer. Hahn says that there are some studies of national companies, foreign companies and even funds, without mentioning any names.
Founded in 1987, Blau has 100% national capital and it is specialized in biological and biotechnological medicine products. With three factories, two in Cotia, in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo and another in the state capital, the company sells especially oncological drugs, antibiotics and anesthetics. According to Hahn, the company's revenue was around R$ 220 million (US$ 112 million) last year, virtually stable compared to 2008. Exports account for 5% of the group´s total revenue, which includes condom. The office points out that biotech products are the most traded in foreign markets, particularly the Eritromax, Blau´s flagship. The Company exports to over 20 countries.